

The Playbook With David Meltzer
David Meltzer, Entrepreneur.com
Welcome to The Playbook, hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, author and keynote speaker David Meltzer. On the podcast you’ll find a mix of interviews, Q&A, fireside chats, keynotes, and exclusive conversations with the most influential CEO’s, sports icons, and successful entrepreneurs who share their personal and professional play-by-play of the “what”, “why”, and “how” to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2025 • 25min
The Real Path to Happiness and Abundance
In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Hemma R. Lomax, founder and host of Unless: The Podcast, and a leader in compliance and ethics, to talk about turning good intentions into real impact. We explore the power of scaling generosity, the math behind empowering a billion people, and why happiness comes from consistent, purposeful action. I share how ancient wisdom shaped my approach to abundance, the balance between giving and receiving, and the role of money in creating meaningful change. Hemma challenges us to get out of our own way, rethink our relationship with wealth, and embrace the energy of giving without losing sight of what truly matters.

Feb 11, 2025 • 24min
What It Takes to Build a Global Consumer Brand
In today’s episode, Adam Wilks shares how he’s built Carma HoldCo into a powerhouse for celebrity-backed consumer brands. As the CEO, he’s leading the charge in turning iconic names like Mike Tyson, Future and Ric Flair into global product empires. From cannabis and energy drinks to licensing deals that span continents, Adam breaks down the importance of authenticity in branding and why slapping a celebrity’s name on a product isn’t enough. He also talks about navigating private equity, expansion strategies, and how mission-driven partnerships set the foundation for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Feb 10, 2025 • 33min
The Relativity of the Past: Learning From Yesterday for a Better Tomorrow
Our past can either be a weight that holds us back or a tool that propels us forward. In this episode, I explored how shifting our perception of past experiences can lead to greater success and fulfillment. By taking accountability, reframing setbacks as lessons, and embracing forgiveness, we create a mindset that fosters growth and resilience. True progress comes from learning, adapting, and applying these lessons to shape a brighter future.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me at david@dmeltzer.com

Feb 9, 2025 • 33min
How to Rewire Your Thoughts for Growth
In today’s episode, Craig Siegel and I are joined by Jon Gordon and Dr. Caroline Leaf to break down the power of grit, connection, and mental resilience. Jon, a bestselling author and speaker on leadership, explains how love fuels perseverance and why strong relationships create unshakable teams. Dr. Leaf, a neuroscientist and expert on the mind-brain connection, shares how to manage thoughts, rewire negative patterns, and use distractions productively. From faith to leadership to rewiring the way we think, this episode covers what it takes to build a mindset that withstands adversity and fuels long-term success.

Feb 8, 2025 • 34min
Success, Sacrifice, and the Joy of Missing Out
In today’s episode, James Maslow and I sit down with Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt to talk about the mindset and resilience that took him to the top of his sport. LaShawn shares how he navigated the transition from elite competition, the struggle of finding new purpose, and the lessons that still drive him today. We break down the power of JOMO—the joy of missing out—shifting focus from short-term temptations to long-term success. James reflects on his own career evolution, the value of surrounding yourself with the right people, and how embracing change has fueled his growth in entertainment and business.

Feb 7, 2025 • 28min
The Power of Credibility and Connection in Sales
In today’s episode, I share strategies to increase sales success and improve leadership effectiveness. We explore the importance of credibility, emotional connection, and confident communication when raising capital or pitching ideas. I break down my "3 no rule," a proven method to save time and create urgency by allowing people to say no. I also discuss how to avoid objections entirely by focusing on open-ended questions that uncover value and align solutions with others’ needs. Additionally, I touch on reframing emotional expenses in business leadership and using simple language to drive better results. These insights are designed to empower you to achieve greater success in sales and leadership.

Feb 6, 2025 • 36min
Why Your Environment Shapes Your Future
In today’s episode, I break down the power of purpose, persistence, and perspective in shaping the spaces we occupy. The energy we bring to our work, relationships, and daily activities determines our success, and learning to love what others resist unlocks opportunities most people miss. True persistence isn’t just about never quitting—it’s about continuous progress, adapting to challenges, and shifting perspectives to align with greater possibilities. By surrounding ourselves with the right environments and people, we amplify our awareness and elevate our results. Success isn’t about chasing happiness—it’s about finding fulfillment in the pursuit itself, trusting the process, and creating alignment between who we are and where we want to be or better.

Feb 5, 2025 • 22min
Unlocking Wealth Through Intentional Habits
In today’s episode, I explore how to align your past, present, and future to achieve lasting freedom and wealth. I break down the importance of shifting the meaning you assign to past experiences and how this impacts your self-image and direction. I also share why non-negotiable habits, like prioritizing sleep and health, lay the foundation for success, and how negotiable actions can enhance progress when approached intentionally. By focusing on what you want, who can help you, and how to structure your time, you can reduce resistance and unlock your potential, all while building a community that supports and amplifies your vision for long-term success.

Feb 4, 2025 • 28min
Aligning With People Who Help You Thrive
In today’s episode, I break down the power of relationships and how the people around us shape our success, energy, and perspective. Every team in life—family, business, faith, or finance—requires the right alignment to move forward without resistance. I share how to recognize those who support growth versus those who interfere, whether they are obvious detractors or well-meaning loved ones operating from fear. By understanding relativity, association, and the balance of giving and receiving in relationships, it becomes easier to build a network that fuels success. Identifying and removing limiting influences is key to creating an environment that fosters purpose, fulfillment, and progress.

Feb 3, 2025 • 56min
Surround Yourself With The Right Ideas
The ideas we surround ourselves with shape every aspect of our lives. In this episode, I explored how what we think, say, do believe, and feel influence our energy, decisions, and overall success. By being intentional with the information we take in and the words we speak, we can elevate our frequency, attract better opportunities, and create meaningful connections. This episode reminds us that our mindset is our greatest asset and what we think, say, and see directly impacts our ability to grow and thrive.To join my next free Friday Training sessions, email me david@dmeltzer.com